2007 BMW 6-Series Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2007 BMW 6-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2007 BMW 6-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 BMW 6-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 BMW 6-Series help you decide if a 2007 BMW 6-Series is right for you.

2007 BMW 6-Series Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Instruments/controls

Steering/handling	Fuel economy

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., man.	650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	650i conv, auto.	M6 coupe	Class Average
8	8	8	9	8.1

The 650s have superb power and response for most any situation. Potent M6s are racecar rapid. But regular manual transmission has just OK shift/clutch action. And SMTs are often harsh and inconsistent in any shift mode. Smooth, alert automatic thus the best choice for 650s; a pity M6s don't offer it.

Fuel Economy

650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., man.	650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	650i conv, auto.	M6 coupe	Class Average
4	4	4	2	4.6

Test manual-transmission V8 coupes averaged 17.7-19.9 mpg. Test M6 coupe averaged just 13.3 mpg. All 6-Series require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., man.	650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	650i conv, auto.	M6 coupe	Class Average
6	6	6	4	4.5

Firm suspension, stiff run-flat tires make 650s jiggly and thumpy vs. many class rivals. Ride borderline harsh in M6s or 650s with Sport Package due to 19-inch tires, less-compliant suspensions, so try before you buy.

Steering/Handling/Braking

650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., man.	650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	650i conv, auto.	M6 coupe	Class Average
8	8	8	8	8.6

Too large and heavy to be sports-car agile--even handling-biased M6s--but balanced and assured on highways and byways. Active Steering sharpens low-speed moves, but some testers find it intrusive. Active Roll Stabilization quells most body lean in fast turns. Braking strong, stable, straight.

Quietness

650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., man.	650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	650i conv, auto.	M6 coupe	Class Average
7	7	6	5	4.5

Engines audible but pleasing at high rpm; M6s noisier than 650s in normal cruising, but acceptable. Fat tires generate expected rough-surface drone, but it's not irksome. Wind rush modest in coupes. Convertibles have a bit more despite well-insulated tops, but little top-down wind buffeting even with all windows lowered. Impressively stout structures, with minimal body flex on convertibles.

Controls

650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., man.	650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	650i conv, auto.	M6 coupe	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.7

Elegant cabins match lofty pricing with top-notch materials and assembly. Dashboard has only basic audio and climate controls; drivers otherwise grapple with iDrive system's many menus and settings--a real distraction. And M6s add suspension and engine-power adjustments. Useful head-up display standard on M6s, available for 650s. But all the electronics give us cause for concern. On one test coupe, pressing the keyfob's trunk-release switch regularly set off the alarm system.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., man.	650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	650i conv, auto.	M6 coupe	Class Average
8	8	8	8	5.9

Wide console imparts cozy cabin feel, but good head and leg room for all but the very tall on firm, supportive seats. M6 seats' heavy side bolsters can impede entry/exit. Myriad adjustments to tailor driving stance--after some trial-and-error. Long doors a parking-lot nuisance. M6 coupe doesn't offer a sunroof; 650 coupe does, but the panel just tilts. Aft visibility tricky in coupes, restricted top-up in convertibles.

Room/Comfort (rear)

650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., man.	650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	650i conv, auto.	M6 coupe	Class Average
1	1	1	1	.6

Seats comfortable, but only two of them. And virtually no leg room with front seats pushed back more than halfway. Entry/exit a typical 2-dr squeeze; front seats power forward, but slowly.

Cargo Room

650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., man.	650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	650i conv, auto.	M6 coupe	Class Average
2	2	3	2	2.2

Trunk volume par for the class, coupe or convertible. Covered hinges gobble some space. Interior storage poor. Just one cupholder front and rear; the front one is an afterthought console clip-on.

Value within Class

650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., man.	650i cpe w/Sport Pkg., SMT	650i conv, auto.	M6 coupe	Class Average
4	4	4	2	5.4

The 6-Series suffers from the usual coupe/convertible compromises, daunting prices, a ride that seems firmer than necessary, and BMW's confounding iDrive control. Still, any model is a luxurious driving treat: swift, supremely capable, and very refined. But avoid the aggravating SMT transmission.

Total Score